DEP CLEAN MARINA PROGRAM WELCOMES PASADENA MARINA

PASADENA - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, together with the Clean Boating Partnership, welcomes the Pasadena Marina to the Florida Clean Marina Program. This voluntary state initiative recognizes marinas and boatyards for their commitment to the protection of Florida’s waterways and natural resources.

Pasadena Marina is Florida’s 271st Clean Marina and is being recognized today for their commitment to environmental stewardship by initiating best management practices and offering recycling and pumpout services for boaters.

"We are proud to have received the Clean Marina designation from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection,” said Mirella James, Owner and General Manager of Pasadena Marina. “It reflects our commitment to environmentally responsible marina operations and protection of our surrounding natural resources."

The Pasadena Marina has 125 wet slips, all of which are provided with pumpout services. It can handle vessels up to 60 feet in length and offers both long and short term space for both transient and liveaboard boats. Providing premier services to the greater Tampa Bay area, Pasadena Marina represents one of the best examples of modern, environmentally conscious marine facilities.

“Protecting Florida’s marine resources is instrumental to the continued health of the state’s natural and business environments and it is always rewarding to see business actively involved in protecting these resources,” said DEP Sustainable Initiatives Director Brad Stombock. “By obtaining their Clean Marina designation, Pasadena Marina is joining a prestigious group of environmental stewards that have been recognized for their proactive approach to protecting Florida’s natural resources.”

To become a designated member of the Florida Clean Marina Program, facilities must implement a set of environmental measures designed to protect Florida’s waterways. These measures address critical environmental issues such as sensitive habitats, waste management, stormwater control, spill prevention and emergency preparedness.

Florida has more than one million registered motorized vessels and more than 2,000 marinas - the largest number of marine facilities in the country. Drawing millions of visitors each year, Florida’s clear waters, world-class beaches and coral reefs support a $67.2 billion tourism industry, an $18.4 billion boating industry and a fishing industry that injects more than $6.9 billion a year into Florida’s communities. Protecting Florida’s waterways is essential.

About the Florida Clean Marina Program

With more than one million registered motorized vessels in Florida, environmental education within marine industries is the first step toward safeguarding the state’s natural resources. By providing “green” education and alternatives the Florida Clean Marina Program helps ensure a sustainable future for the environment and a billion dollar marine industry. For more information about the Florida Clean Marina Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.